Containers including containers for removing moisture and/or oxygen and adjustable containers

ABSTRACT

A container for allowing the communication of an active agent with the interior space of the container includes a housing having a base and a cover. A holder is positioned on the housing for receiving an active agent. The active agent is in chemical communication with an interior space of the container. The container may be adjustable in size. The adjustable container includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion extending at least partially along the length of the base, and the cover includes at least one corresponding recess defined by a wing on the cover. The wing is configured to mate with the recess in sliding relation to allow the cover to move longitudinally relative to the base. A box cover includes a housing having at least a first level and a second level. The first level has a greater circumference than the second level. The first level is configured to mate with a first size container and the second level is configured to mate with a second size container that is different from the first size container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/700,115, filed Jul. 18, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This technology relates to a container and a lid designed to removemoisture and/or oxygen from the contents of the container. Thetechnology also concerns a collapsible and adjustable container and auniversal lid.

BACKGROUND

Foods, particularly produce, spoil more quickly when subjected to oxygenand moisture. Food storage containers presently on the market do a poorjob at maintaining product life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example container that is designed toaccommodate a particular size or type of food, such as a tomato oronion, or other materials;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example container that is designed toaccommodate a particular size or type of food, such as lettuce or amelon, or other materials;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example container that is designed toaccommodate a particular size or type of food, such as sugar, or othermaterials;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example container that is designed toaccommodate a particular size or type of food, such as flour, or othermaterials;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example container that is designed toaccommodate a particular size or type of food, such as a hotdog orhamburger, or other materials;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container that isdesigned to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such as asquare cracker, or other materials;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container that isdesigned to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such aspasta, or other materials;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container that isdesigned to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such as aloaf of bread, or other materials;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container that isdesigned to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such as a boxof cereal, or other materials;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container thatis designed to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such as acracker, or other materials;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example universal lid that isdesigned to accommodate a number of different sized containers;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a cover similar to the example containerdepicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 13 taken atline A-A in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 13 taken atline B-B in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a base similar to the example containerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the base depicted in FIG. 15 takenat line A-A of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a latch utilized with an examplecontainer that is similar to that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the latch of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch shown in FIGS. 17and 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container thatutilizes the cover of FIGS. 12-14, the base of FIGS. 15-16 and the latchof FIGS. 17-19, with the cover being installed on the base and the latchbeing rotated into a locked position;

FIGS. 21 is a partial exploded view of section A in FIG. 20, depictingthe point on the example container where the latch, cover, and basemeet;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a tray utilized with the example containerof FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional end view of the tray of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container that issimilar to that shown in FIG. 2, with the cover being installed on thebase and the latch being rotated into a locked position;

FIG. 26 is a top view of a base of an example container similar to thatdepicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the base of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container similarto that shown in FIG. 3 that utilizes the base of FIGS. 26-27 and thecover of FIGS. 32-33, with the cover being installed on the base;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of a tray utilized with the example containerof FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional end view of the tray of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the cover utilized with the examplecontainer of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 28;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container similarto that shown in FIG. 4 that utilizes the cover of FIG. 32, with thecover being installed on the base;

FIG. 35 is a top view of a tray utilized with the example container ofFIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a base for use with an example containersimilar to that depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the base shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container similarto that shown in FIG. 6 that utilizes the base of FIGS. 37-38 and thecover of FIGS. 42-44, with the cover being installed on the base;

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of a tray utilized with the example containercover of FIG. 42;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a top view of the cover depicted in FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 42, taken atline B-B in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 42, taken atline A-A in FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a side view of a base for use with an example containersimilar to that depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side view of the base shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of an example container similarto that shown in FIG. 8 that utilizes the base of FIGS. 45-46 and thecover of FIGS. 48-49, with the cover being installed on the base;

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of a tray utilized with the example containercover of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a top view of the cover depicted in FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 9, withthe cover removed from the base, showing how the cover is configured tomate with the base;

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a base for use with an example containersimilar to that depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 10showing the cover coupled to the base;

FIG. 55 is a top plan view of the example universal box top, similar tothat depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 56 is an end view of the box top of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional side view of the box top of FIG. 55, with atray and active agent pouch inserted in a recess of the box top;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an example collapsible container thatis designed to accommodate a particular size or type of food, such as asandwich, or other materials, showing the container positioned in anintermediate position;

FIG. 59 is an expanded view of the container of FIG. 58, showing how thecover is positioned over the base;

FIG. 60 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 58 showninstalled in a second intermediate position;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 58 with thecontainer positioned in a first, smallest position;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 58 showninstalled in a first, smallest position; and

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 58 with thecontainer positioned in a third, largest position;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 58 showninstalled in a third, largest position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures, the present disclosure concerns examplecontainers 10, 70, 72, 74, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 132 and a new boxtop 116. The containers and box top may have an “active” component, inthat they are actively utilized for removing moisture, oxygen, oranother element from the container. The active containers and box tophelp to keep materials stored inside the container, such as food, fresh.This is accomplished using a desiccant or other active agent. The term“desiccant” is typically utilized to refer to a drying agent that actsto reduce or remove water or moisture. The term “active agent,” as usedherein, refers to an agent that serves to remove or reduce moisture,oxygen, or another element, as long as the chemical composition of thematerial that makes up the active agent is capable of removing thedesired element. Thus, the term “active agent,” as used herein is usedin the broad sense to encompass desiccants as well as other agents forremoving elements from the interior of a container.

As discussed above, one type of active agent is a desiccant. Another isan oxygen inhibitor. Oxygen inhibitors may be utilized in containers todramatically reduce the amount of oxygen inside the container. Producecontainers derive significant benefit from oxygen inhibitors. Forinstance, lettuce, melons, tomatoes and onions that are stored incontainers that have oxygen inhibitors have an extended lifetime andfreshness. Oxygen is a primary catalyst to premature spoilage ofproduce. Therefore, an active agent that removes oxygen can help toprolong the useful life of produce. Packages of crackers or otherproducts made with grains may also benefit from a moisture removingactive agent, among other foods and materials.

The example containers utilize an active agent that is stored in aremovable and replaceable pouch 30 or other vessel. A pouch 30 ispositioned inside each container and is held in position so that thecontents of the pouch 30 can communicate with the interior storage space54 of each container. Each pouch 30 has a useful life that depends uponthe humidity and/or oxygen or other level within the container. Atypical shelf-life for a desiccant pouch 30 is three to six months. Thepouch 30 contains crystals. When the pouch 30 is initially inserted intothe container, the crystals are a first color. As the crystals absorbmoisture, for example, they gradually change color. An example of thecolor change that occurs is changing from blue to pink. Once thecrystals have completely changed in color, the desiccant has beenentirely used and the pouch 30 may be removed and replaced with a newpouch 30. The pouch 30 of active agent is preferably disposable,although reusable pouches are within the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

The pouch 30 is preferably made of a material that has been approved bythe Food and Drug Administration for use with food products. One type ofmaterial that may be used is Tyvek™ or polypropylene. An examplepolypropylene is a polyolefin/hydrocarbon film material that is clear oropaque. Other types of plastic materials may be utilized, if so desired.An example pouch 30 may be rectangular and have a length of 2.25 inches,a width of 1 inch and a depth of 0.25 inches. Other sizes and shapes ofpouches may be utilized. It is not required that the pouch 30 berectangular. The pouch 30 should easily fit inside any storage spacewithin the container designed to hold the pouch 30.

The pouch material may be transparent in order to allow the user to viewthe color of the active agent. In the examples depicted, the containerseach include a cover 12 and a base 14. A recess 24 is defined in thecover 12 and the pouch 30 is sized to fit within the recess 24. Inaddition, a tray 60 is utilized along with the pouch 30 to hold thepouch 30 inside the tray 60 and recess 24. The tray 60 may include holes64 to allow the active agent to communicate with the environment of thecontainer. The tray 60 is both removable and replaceable. In thedisclosed examples, the tray 60 is sized to press fit into the recess 24defined on the cover 12 of each container. However, other techniques maybe utilized to attach the tray to the cover. For example, screws, glue,hinge mechanisms and clasps, or other known attachment methods may beutilized.

The desiccant may be any known agent. Commonly known drying agentsinclude calcium oxide or silica gel. These materials are useful infood-related applications because they are approved for use in suchapplications by the United States Food & Drug Administration. While theactive agent is shown positioned in a recess 24 of the cover 12, it maybe stored at other locations, if desired, and need not be positioned ina recess defined in the container wall.

Other example containers 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 132 disclosed hereinare collapsible and expandable. The containers includes a base 14 and acover 12. The base 14 and cover 12 have mating portions, such as rails102, 104, that couple the base 14 and cover 12 together. The rails 102,104 may extend along the sides of the cover 12 and base 14, for example.The rails 102, 104 may be ridges 106 and recesses 110 on the sides ofthe cover 12 and base 14, respectively, for mating with each other, sothat one of the base 14 or the cover 12 slides inside the other of thecover 12 or the base 14. The base 12 and/or cover 14 may includemechanisms, such as protrusions 142 and dimples 144, to allow the cover12 and base 14 to be fixedly positioned at a variety of positionsrelative to one another, as will be described in greater detail below.Alternatively, the base 12 and cover 14 may seat inside one another, butbe free of any type of positioning mechanisms, so that the containersize will be dependent upon the size of the item stored in thecontainer. When the size of the container is greater than the size ofthe item be stored, the container will take on a fixed minimum size.Other mechanisms for joining the cover and base are also anticipated.

The interior size of the container 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 may expand orcontract depending upon how much material is stored inside thecontainer. In the case of a cereal box, this is useful because thecereal itself, or a bag containing the cereal can be deposited into thecontainer. When the cereal bag is full, the cover 12 of the containerrests on the cereal bag and the cereal bag helps to suspend the cover 12above the base 14. As the cereal is depleted, the bag becomes smaller.Eventually the bag of cereal is small enough to fit inside the base 14and the cover 12 rests against the base 14. These types of containers90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 are useful in a kitchen cabinet because theyonly take up as much room as is actually needed. These containers arereferred to herein as “universal” containers because they can beutilized for may different sizes and types of products.

The collapsible container side rails 102, 104 facilitate closure of thecontainers and help to keep out unwanted moisture. Therefore, the fitbetween the base 14 and cover 12 may be tight. Where the fit is tight,an air release (not shown) may be utilized at the seam between the cover12 and the base 14, at the top of the cover, or at another location thatallows air to be released as the cover is closed upon the base.

In a further embodiment, a universal box top 116 is provided. Theuniversal box top 116 is designed to accommodate three different sizesof cereal boxes, for example, as indicated by three levels of the boxtop in the drawings. In one embodiment, the universal box top isdesigned to accommodate all three sizes of General Mills cereal boxes,including a 20 oz., 15 oz., and 10 oz. box. Migration of moisture intocereal boxes makes cereal stale. The universal box top may house anactive agent, such as described above, in order to remove moisture froma box, such as a box of cereal. The universal box top 116 can bepositioned around the top opening of a cereal box. Other types of foodproducts may also be utilized with the universal box top, the examplebox top not being limited to General Mills cereal boxes.

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-10 depict several differenttypes of active containers. FIGS. 1-5 depict containers that take on asingle shape when assembled. FIGS. 6-10 and 58 are collapsiblecontainers that expand and collapse depending upon the quantity and sizeof materials stored inside the container. FIG. 11 depicts a universalbox top that may be utilized to seal off three different sizes of cerealboxes. FIGS. 12-57 and 59-64 depict various views of containers and theuniversal box top that are similar to or the same as containers depictedin FIGS. 1-11 and 58.

FIG. 1 depicts a container 10 that has a rounded cover 12 and a flatbase 14. The circumference of the container 10 is round. This type ofcontainer 10 may be utilized to store such food items as tomatoes oronions. The container includes two grips 16 at an upper end of the cover12 that may be utilized to remove the cover 12 from the base 14. FIGS.12-24 depict more detailed views of the container 10 shown in FIG. 1.The container 10 of FIG. 1 is shown as including two latches 40 that arepositioned on both sides of the container 10 for coupling the cover 12to the base 14. A similar container may be provided that does notinclude such a latch, or that includes only one latch. The cover 12 mayalternatively be hinged to the base 14 (not shown). The container 10depicted in FIGS. 1 and 12-24 utilizes a rim 20 on the cover 12 and arim 22 on the base 14 to join the cover and base, in addition to the twolatches 40. The cover 12 and base 14 that utilize the rims 20, 22 forjoining the cover and base together may not need the external latchshown, depending upon the configuration of the rims 20, 22.

The cover 12 of the container 10 of FIG. 1, depicted in FIGS. 12-14,includes two hand or finger grips 16 that are positioned near the top ofthe rounded cover 12. The cover 12 includes a rim 20 that is defined ata lowermost edge of the cover 12 and extends around the periphery of thecover 12. The cover 12 also includes a holder 24, such as a recess, thatis defined on an interior surface 26 of the cover 12, so that the recess24 is positioned inside the cover 12. The recess 24 is rectangularshaped and includes four walls 28 that extend inwardly from the outerwall of the cover 12. These four walls 28 together define the shape ofthe recess 24. Fewer than four walls may be utilized, if desired. Othershapes for the recess 24 may also be utilized. Furthermore, the recess24 would not necessarily have to be shaped like a recess 24, as long asits shaped to hold a vessel 30 or packet. While finger grips 16 aredisclosed on a top surface 32 of the cover 12, finger grips 16 are notabsolutely required. It is desirable to have some means to assist a userin removing the cover 12 from the base 14. Any such means may beutilized, although it is anticipated that the container 10 may bedesigned without any finger grips 16 whatsoever.

The rim 20 is positioned at the lower end of the cover 12 and is usedfor mating with the rim 22 of the base 14, which is depicted in FIGS.15-16. The rim 20 includes a bump 34 or protrusion that extends at leastpartially around the circumference of the rim 20. The bump 34 may extendall the way around the circumference, or partially around thecircumference at spaced locations or otherwise. The rim 20 and bump 34are utilized for mating with a corresponding rim 22 and bump 36 on thebase 14 of the container 10. The cover 12 also includes at least onelatch surface 38 that is positioned at spaced locations around part ofthe circumference of the cover 12. The latch surfaces 38 are configuredfor mating with a latch or a latch arm 40. The latch arm 40 is depictedin greater detail in FIGS. 17-19. The latch arm 40 depicted has anarcuate shape when viewed from the top or bottom and a generally flatexterior wall when viewed from the side A lower end of the latch armincludes a hand 42 having an opening 44 for receiving a peg 46 that ispositioned on the base 14 of the container 10. The base 14 outer surfacealso includes an indentation 56 adjacent the bottom wall 50 that housesthe peg 46. The hand 42 of the latch arm 40 couples with the peg 46 onthe base 14 and is rotatable around the peg 46. A peg 46 is provided oneither side of the arm. The opposite end of the latch arm 40 includes aprotruding rib 48 that extends along the width of the latch arm 40 andforms a hook. The rib 48 is configured to mate with the latching surface38 on the cover 14, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 21.

The base 14 of the container 10, depicted in FIGS. 15-16, has asubstantially flat bottom wall 50 and a circular side wall 52 thatextends upwardly from the bottom wall 50 to define an interior space 54.The interior space 54 is configured to mate with an interior space 54 ofthe cover 12 once the cover 12 and base 14 are coupled together. Thebase 14 includes a rim 22 and the rim 22 has at least one bump 36 orprotrusion that extends around the circumference of the rim 22. The bump36 may extend entirely around the circumference, or partially around thecircumference at spaced locations or otherwise. The rim 22 and bump 36are utilized to mate with a corresponding rim 20 and bump 34 of thecover 12, as shown best in FIG. 21. It should be noted that the base 14,while shown as being flat, does not have to be flat and can have anyshape desired.

The latch 40 may be configured relative to the base 14 in any knownmanner to rotate upwardly so that the hook end 48 mates with a latchsurface 38 on the cover 12 to hold the cover 12 in a closed positionrelative to the base 14. Other types of latching mechanisms mayalternatively be utilized, including non-rotating latches.

FIG. 20 depicts a desiccant or active agent pouch 30 positioned insidethe recess 24 of the cover 12. A tray 60 is positioned over the activeagent pouch 30 to hold the pouch 30 in place within the cover 12. Thetray 60 has a bottom wall 62 that includes a plurality of openings 64.The openings 64 are configured to allow communication between thecontents of the active agent pouch 30 and the interior storage area 54of the container 10. The tray 60 includes side walls 66 that aredimensioned to seat firmly within the recess 24 of the cover 12. Thetray 60 may have a press fit relative to the recess 24 in order to bemaintained inside the recess 24 without the need for any externalattachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the tray 60 may be connected tothe cover 12 with a hinge and catch (not shown), with the hinge beingpositioned on one edge of the tray and the catch being positioned onanother side of the tray.

FIGS. 22-24 depict details concerning the disclosed tray 60. The tray 60is rectangular and is configured to seat firmly within the recess 24 inorder to maintain the active agent pouch 30 within the container 10. Itis beneficial to maintain the active agent pouch 30 under the cover 12since there is very little, if any, likelihood of the active agentescaping or otherwise communicating with the outside of the container 10when the container is in use. In this embodiment, the active agent maybe designed to reduce moisture, oxygen, or both, or another element orelements.

The tray 60 includes a rectangular base wall 62 that has a plurality ofholes 64 that extend through the base wall 62. The holes 64 may bearranged in a pattern of rows and columns, as shown, or may be arrangedin any other manner desired. More or less holes 64 may alternatively beprovided. The base wall 62 is surrounded by four upstanding side walls66 that extend perpendicularly from the base wall 62. The side walls 66have a length sufficient to hold the tray 60 inside the recess 24 of thecover 12. The recess 24 of the cover 12 has four side walls 28 forreceiving the four side walls 66 of the tray 60. The walls 28 of therecess 24 and walls 66 of the tray 60 may have mating features to assistin maintaining the tray 60 inside the cover 12, such as protrusions orrecesses (not shown).

FIGS. 2 and 25 depict a container 70 that has a rounded cover 12 and aflat base 14. The circumference of the container 70 is round. This typeof container 70 may be utilized to store such food items as lettuce ormelon. This container 70 typically has a larger size than the container10 depicted in FIG. 1, but this is not absolutely required. Thecontainer 70 includes two grips 16 at an upper end of the cover 12, arecess or holder 24 for receiving a tray 60, an active agent pouch 30positioned inside the recess 24 communicating with the interior space 54of the container 70, and a latch member 40, all of which are configuredin a similar manner to that described in connection with FIGS. 1 and12-25. As previously described for FIG. 1, the container shown in FIG. 2may be designed without the external latches 40 and finger grips 16, ifdesired. The base 14 of the container 70 is depicted as having a flatsurface. Alternatively, the base 14 may have a shape designed to hold aparticular type of food or material, or designed to prolong the life ofa food product positioned inside the container, among other designs.Other similarities exist between the container of FIG. 2 and thecontainer of FIG. 1, which will not be repeated as one of skill in theart will recognize the similar features.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict other example containers 72, 74 that have asubstantially rectangular cover 12 and a substantially rectangular base14. The circumference of the containers 72, 74 is rectangular. Thesecontainers 72, 74 may be utilized to store such food items as sugar orflour. The container 72 of FIGS. 3 and 26-33 has a size that isoptimally designed for storing sugar. The container includes a cover 12,shown in FIGS. 32-33, and a base 14, shown in FIGS. 26-27.

The base 14 includes a base wall 50 and four side walls 52 that arejoined at the corners to define the walls of the container 72. A ledge76 is positioned adjacent the upper rim 22 of the base 14. The ledge 76is designed for receiving a bottom edge or rim 20 of the cover 12 andfor stopping the vertical movement of the cover 12 relative to the base14. The rim 22 of the base 14 also includes an outwardly extending bump36 that is positioned adjacent the upper end of the base 14. The bump orprotrusion 36 is configured for mating with like bumps or recesses 34defined near the rim 20 of the cover 12. The rims 20, 22 and bumps 34,36 are configured to join the cover 12 to the base 14 in a tight,snap-together fit. The base wall 50 of the container 72 is substantiallyflat, but is raised relative to a bottom of the container such that arim 78 is positioned around the base wall.

The cover 12, shown in FIGS. 32-33, includes a top wall 32 and four sidewalls 80. The side walls 80 of the cover 12 extend downwardly from thetop wall 32. The cover 12 includes two finger grips 16 defined on thetop wall 32 of the cover 12. The finger grips 16 are designed to allow auser to more easily grip and remove the cover 12 from the base 14 of thecontainer 72. The container utilizes a rim 20, 22 on each of the cover12 and base 14 to join the cover 12 to the base 14. The lower end of thecover 12 includes a rim 20 with an inwardly extending bump or bumps 34.As discussed above in connection with the rounded containers, the bumps34 may extend completely around the circumference of the cover 12, orpartially around the cover 12, or otherwise.

The cover 12 includes an inwardly extending recess 24 that extends froma wall of the cover 12. The recess 24 is defined by four inwardlyextending walls 28 and is configured for receiving an active agent. Theactive agent may be in the form of a pouch 30 of desiccant. The recess24 is configured to mate with a tray 60 in order to hold the activeagent pouch 30 in position. The tray 60 may alternatively be a door (notshown) that is coupled to an inner surface of the cover 12 and that ispositioned over the recess 24. The recess 24 is similar to thatdiscussed in connection with the round containers, above. Similaritieswill not be repeated as one of skill in the art will recognize thesimilar features. FIG. 28 depicts the cover 12 installed on the base 14and FIGS. 29-31 depict the tray 60 that is used to cover 12 the recess24. As previously discussed, the tray 60 includes a plurality ofopenings 64 defined there through that allow the desiccant or otheractive agent in the pouch 30 to communicate with the interior space 54of the container 72. The active agent pouch 30 is sized to seat snuglywithin the tray 60. Other sizes and shapes of active agent pouches orvessels may also be used.

FIGS. 4 and 34-36 depict a container 74 that is optimally sized forstoring flour. Other sizes may alternatively be defined for storing aparticular food or material. The container 74 of FIGS. 4 and 34 includesa cover 12 and a base 14. The cover 12 includes a top wall 32 and fourside walls 80. The base 14 includes a base wall 50 and four sides 82.The base wall 50 is recessed inwardly such that a rim 78 is definedaround the bottom of the container 74. The top wall 32 of the cover 12does not utilize finger or hand grips 16. Instead, the top wall 32 ofthe cover 12 of FIG. 4 is recessed inwardly and is substantially flat. Arim 84 is defined around the recessed top wall 32. The upper end of thebase 14 includes a ledge 76 and rim 22, like that discussed inconnection with FIG. 3. The lower end of the cover 12 includes a rim 20,also like that discussed above in connection with FIG. 3. Othersimilarities are also present and will not be repeated as they arereadily evident to those of skill in the art.

The cover 12 of FIGS. 34 is somewhat different from the previouslydescribed covers because it shows a tray 60 that is positioned on anexterior surface of the container 74. In this example, the top wall 32of the cover 12 has a recess 24 that faces outwardly. The recess 24 hasa bottom wall 86 and four side walls 28. The four side walls 28 areconnected to the bottom wall 86 and extend inwardly from the top wall 32of the cover 12. Holes 88 are defined through the bottom wall 86 of therecess 24. As previously discussed, the holes 88 may be arranged in apattern and are preferably sized to allow a desiccant or other materialstored inside the recess 24 to communicate with the interior space 54 ofthe container 74. A tray 60 seats over the recess 24 and holds an activeagent pouch 30 inside the recess 24. As previously discussed, the tray60 has a base wall 62 and four side walls 66. The four side walls 66extend into the recess 24 and hold the tray 60 in position. In thisexample, it is important that the tray 60 create a tight fit with therecess 24 in order to reduce the amount of leakage of air through therecess 24. The tray 60 of this example is different from previouslydescribed examples because the tray 60 does not have holes definedthrough the base wall 62. The holes in this embodiment are insteaddefined through a wall 86 defining the recess 24. The earlier describedexamples having a recess 24 that faces inwardly is preferred to thisexample because the likelihood of exterior air migrating into thecontainer is reduced.

The flour container is typically a larger sized container that will besufficient in size to hold an entire 5 lb. bag of flour. In order tostrengthen the side walls of the container, ribs 77 are positioned thatextend outwardly from the sides of the container 74 and that extendlongitudinally along the height, as shown in best in FIGS. 4 and 34.Four ribs 77 may be provided, with two on opposite sides of thecontainer 74. The ribs extend from the ledge 76 downwardly to a positionthat is approximately half way along the height of the container 74.

FIG. 5 depicts another example container 90 that has a cover 12 and base14 having a generally rectangular shape. This container 90 may beutilized to store any number of different foods or other items, such ashot dogs, hamburgers, are multi-use. The cover 12 includes two grips 16that are molded into the upper surface 32 of the cover 12. The base wall50 is substantially flat and may or may not be recessed inwardly.Alternatively, the base wall 50 may have other shapes, or may be definedto provide legs, if so desired. The cover 12 is joined to the base 14 ina manner described above and may or may not include a latch 40. Othershapes and sizes for this and the previously discussed containers may beutilized without departing from the disclosed examples. This container90 shares many of the same features as the above described embodiments.The tray 60 is positioned on an interior surface 26 of the cover 12 andthe recess 24 defined on the cover 12 extends inwardly. Othersimilarities will not be repeated as one of skill in the art willreadily recognize the similar features.

FIGS. 6-10 depict various embodiments of a collapsible and adjustablecontainer. FIGS. 37-54 depict the examples shown in FIGS. 6-10 ingreater detail. The container 92 of FIGS. 6 and 37-44 is designed as asquare cracker container, but may be used for storing other food and/ormaterials. The container 94 of FIG. 7 is designed as a cookie, pasta,cracker container. The container 96 of FIGS. 8 and 45-51 is designed asa bread container. The container 98 of FIGS. 9 and 52 are designed as acereal container. The container 100 of FIGS. 10 and 53-54 is designed asa round cracker container. Other shapes and sizes for the containers mayalso be utilized.

Each container is similar in that each includes a base 14 and a cover12. The cover 12 has a top wall 32 and at least one side wall 80. Thebase 14 includes a base wall 50 and at least one side wall 82. In thecase of rectangular containers, the side walls 80, 82 number four. Whenthe container is round or rounded, a single continuous side wall 80, 82may be utilized. A pair of rails 102 extends along the length of theside walls 80 of the cover 12 and a corresponding pair of rails 104extends along the length of the side walls 82 of the base 14. The base14 includes outwardly extending protrusions 106 on either side thereof.The cover 12 includes a pair of outwardly extending wings 108 that areshaped like the protrusions 106 on the base 14, but are larger than theprotrusions 106 and include an underlying recess 110 for receiving theprotrusions 106.

The recesses 110 formed by the wings 108 are configured to mate with thecorresponding protrusions 106. The recesses 110 formed by the wings 108are configured to mate with the corresponding protrusions 106 on thebase 14 in a sliding manner, such that the cover 12 is slidable on thebase 14 of each container, with the protrusions 106 and the recesses 110defined by the wings 108 defining rails 102, 104 that mate with oneanother. In this manner, when the food product positioned in thecontainer 90 has a height that extends past the upper end 22 of the base14, the cover 12 is suspended by the food product. As the food productis emptied from the container 90, the cover 12 travels downwardlyrelative to the base 14, thereby collapsing the cover 12 relative to thebase 14 to make the container 90 smaller. When the food product storedinside the container 90 has a size that is smaller than the size of thebase 14, the top wall 32 of the cover 12 seats on the upper edge 22 ofthe side walls of the base 14 and the container 90 is then positioned atits minimum size.

FIG. 52 illustrates the operation of the collapsible cereal box. As isevident, the cover 12 seats over the base 14 and is guided on the base14 by the protrusions 106 disposed on the sides of the base 14. Thecover 12 can move upwardly and downwardly relative to the base 14 on therails 102, 104. While two wings 108 are shown, more or less may beutilized depending on the size and shape of the containers, among otherreasons, as known by those of skill in the art. A less optimal cerealbox, for example, could include a single protrusion 106 and wing 108.Alternatively, the base 14 may include the wings 108 and recesses 110and the cover 12 may include the protrusions 106 that seat inside therecesses 110, such that the cover 12 seats inside the base 14. The topwall 32 and bottom wall 50 of each container may be recessed slightlyinwardly, if desired, or take on other shapes.

Each of the depicted embodiments includes a recess 24 that is defined ona surface of the cover 12 for receiving an active agent, such as adesiccant stored in a pouch 30. A tray 60 is positionable within therecess 24, as described above, to maintain an active agent in the pouch30. Holes or openings 64, 88 are defined through the surface of thecover 12 within the recess 24 to allow the active agent to communicatewith an interior space 54 of the container when the tray 60 ispositioned on an outside surface of the cover 12. When the recess 24 isdefined on an inner surface 26 of the cover 12, the tray 60 ispositioned inside the cover 12 and includes holes 64 defined through thetray 60 instead of through the wall of the cover 12. The recess 24 maybe positioned on an inner surface or on an outer surface of thecontainer, as defined above in connection with the other containers. Inaddition, the recess 24 may be defined on the base 14 instead of thecover 12. The wings 108 and protrusions 106 may take on any desiredshape. The wing shape that is shown is that of an isosceles trapezoid.The tray 60 preferably has a size to be received within the recess 24 ina press-fit manner. Alternatively, a door can be provided instead of thetray (not shown). The door may seat over the recess 24 to close therecess 24 and may be hinged or otherwise coupled to the container wall.

In the case of the container 92 shown in FIGS. 6 and 42, the recess 24for receiving the active agent is positioned in the top wall 32 of thecover 12. The container 94 shown in FIG. 7 includes a recess 24 forreceiving the active agent positioned in the top wall 32 of the cover12. The container 98 shown in FIG. 9 includes a recess 24 for receivingthe active agent positioned in the top wall 32. In FIGS. 6-10 a tray 60is depicted in the recess 24.

The bread container 96, shown in FIGS. 8 and 45-51, is different fromthe other collapsible containers in that the container 96 is designed tobe positioned on its side instead of on its base wall 50. In thisexample, the base 14 has a right side end wall 112 that is similar tothe base wall 50. The cover 12 has a left side end wall 114 that issimilar to the top wall of the cover 12. The recess 24 is defined in theleft side end wall 114 of the cover 12 and a tray 60 is positionable inthe recess 24, as with other example containers. The base 14 slideshorizontally inside the cover 12. In comparison, with the prior examplecontainers, the base 14 slid vertically inside the cover 12.

FIGS. 10 and 53-54 depict a round collapsible container 100. As withprior collapsible containers, the base 14 has protrusions 106 and thecover 12 has wings 108. The protrusions 106 and wings 108 are arrangedas rails 102, 104 that extend longitudinally along the length of thecontainer 100, as with prior examples. The cover 12 extends over thebase 14 such that the protrusions 106 mate with and ride inside thewings 108. A recess 24 is positioned through the top wall 32 of thecover 12 and includes holes 88 that extend through the wall of therecess 24. An active agent is positioned inside the recess 24 and a tray60 or other cover is positioned over the recess 24.

FIGS. 11 and 55-57 depict a universal box top 116. The depicted box top116 is designed to seal the opening of three different size GeneralMills™ cereal boxes. The box top 116 is pyramidal in shape, with varioussteps that are designed to change the level of the box top 116. A firstlevel 118 is positioned at the open end of the box top 116. A secondlevel 120 is positioned at an intermediate point on the box top 116, anda third level 122 is positioned adjacent the closed end of the box top116. Each level 118, 120, 122 of the box top 116 includes an outer rim124 and an inner rim 126. For levels 118 and 120, the outer rim 124extends around the circumference of the box top 116 while the inner rim126 extends only partially around the circumference of the box top 116.As shown in FIG. 57, the inner rim 126 for levels 118 and 120 is onlypositioned near the ends of the box top 116.

The distance between each outer rim 124 and inner rim 126 is designed tocapture an end of a container or box. Each inner rim 126 has a beveledsurface 128 that faces the outer rim 124. This beveled surface 128assists in capturing a container rim or box between the outer and innerrims 124, 126.

As discussed above in connection with the other embodiments, the box top116 also includes a recess 24 for holding an active agent. The recess 24includes inwardly extending walls 28 from the inner side 26 of the topsurface 130 of the box top 116, as shown best in FIG. 57. The recess 24is shaped and sized for accommodating an active agent vessel 30, such asa desiccant pouch 30. A tray 60 is utilized, as with previouslydiscussed embodiments, to hold the vessel 30 in position. The tray 60includes openings 64 for allowing chemical communication between theactive agent and the interior space 54 of the box or container that isattached to the box top 116.

While the universal box top 116 that is depicted and described isdesigned for use with three different sizes of cereal boxes, the box top116 could be designed for any number of different containers or boxes.While three levels 118, 120, 122 are shown, one or more level could beutilized, if so desired.

FIGS. 58-65 describe an adjustable and collapsible sandwich container132. The container 132 includes a base 14 and a cover 12. Both the cover12 and the base 14 are substantially rectangular in shape. The depictedcontainer 132 has a shape of a slice of bread, but may take on othershapes, such as rectangular or square. The cover 12 has a top wall 134and four side walls 136. The base 14 has a base wall 138 and four sidewalls 140. The side walls 136 of the cover 12 are sized to mate with theside walls 140 of the base 14 by sliding over the base side walls 138 ina longitudinal manner. The base wall 138 is the wall against which thesandwich will sit when stored inside the container and may include ribsor other protrusions (not shown) that help to keep the sandwich fromsitting on the base wall 138. The cover top wall 134 may have similarprotrusions or ribs (not shown).

The side walls 136 of the cover 12 and base 14 include matingprotrusions 142 and recesses or dimples 144. In the case of the cover12, an outwardly extending ridge 102 is defined on two of the side walls136 of the cover 12. For the base 14, similar, but smaller sized ridges104 extend outwardly from the same two sides 140 of the base 14. Theridges 104 of the base 14 are designed to seat inside the ridges 102 ofthe cover 12 and define a place where the base 14 mates with the cover12. The cover ridges 102 ride on the base ridges 104.

The outer side walls 140 of the base 14 includes a row of dimples 144that are concave in shape, as shown, but may be other shapes. Thedimples 144 are positioned on the ridges 104 of the base 14 and extendoutwardly. The inner surfaces of the side walls 136 of the cover 12include a mating row of bumps or protrusions 142 that are convex inshape, as show, but may be other shapes. The bumps 142 are for matingwith the dimples 144 defined on the base 14. The bumps 142 are definedin a row on the inner side of the ridges 102 of the cover 12 and arepositioned at spaced heights such that the container 132 may bemaintained in one of three positions. In a first position, shown inFIGS. 62-63, the cover bottom edge 20 sits adjacent the base wall 138and the three bumps 142 of the cover 12 align with the three recesses144 of the base 14. This is the smallest size for the container 132. Ina second position, shown in FIGS. 58 and 61, the lowest bump 142 on thecover 12 mates with the middle recess 144 of the base 14. This size isan intermediate size of the container that is greater than the smallestsize. In a third position, shown in FIG. 64-65, the lowest bump 142 onthe cover 12 mates with the highest recess 144 of the base 14. This sizeis the largest size of the container, with the bottom edge of the cover12 being at its farther position from the base wall 138 of the base 14.The dimples 144 and bumps 142 are utilized to provide various storagepositions for the cover 12 relative to the base 14, providing forsmaller or larger sandwiches to be stored inside the container 132. Theprotrusions 142 may alternatively be positioned on the base 14 with thedimples 144 alternatively positioned on the cover 12. Mating featuresother than bumps and recesses may alternatively be utilized, such asridges, for example.

One type of active agent that may be utilized with the examplecontainers is known as “O-Buster” and is sold by Desiccare, Inc. ofMississippi. The active agent may be stored in a Tyvek™ package or apolypropylene package, which meets the requirements of Title 21 of theCode of Federal Regulations for direct food contact temperatures up to100° C. The active agent pouch 30 is positioned inside a barrier bag.When the pouch 30 is ready for use, the barrier bag is removed and theactive agent is then activated. Another active agent is Silica Gel,manufactured by Desiccare, Inc. of Pomona, Calif. The product name for atype of silica gel that may be utilized is Silica Gel-TS6.

The above-described example containers may or may not include the activeagent. If the active agent is not utilized, the recess 24 for receivingthe agent may be omitted from the container.

Various dimensions are shown in the Figures. These dimensions areprovided as examples. Other shapes and dimensions may be utilizedwithout departing from the teachings herein.

The containers 10, 70, 72, 74, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 132 and box top116 may be formed of any desired material. For food storage purposes, aclarified polypropylene is desirable because it allows users to viewwhat is stored inside the container. A generic general purposepolypropylene could also be used. Other materials may be used fornon-food storage purposes. A styrene may also be used for thecontainers, or other known materials.

The term “substantially” is used herein as an estimation term.

While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, itshould be understood that the features may be used singly or in anycombination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to belimited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.

Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications mayoccur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed inventionpertains. The examples described herein are exemplary of the claimedinvention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to makeand use examples having alternative elements that likewise correspond tothe elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scopeof the invention may thus include other examples that do not differ orthat insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. Thescope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth inthe appended claims.

1. A container for allowing the communication of an active agent withthe interior space of the container, said container comprising: ahousing having a base and a cover that together define an interiorspace; a holder defined in at least one of the cover and the base forreceiving an active agent inside the housing, said active agent being inchemical communication with the interior space of the housing and beingremovable from the holder.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein theactive agent is at least one of a moisture inhibiting material and anoxygen inhibiting material.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein theholder is a recess that is defined on an inner surface of the cover. 4.The container of claim 3, further comprising a tray configured to seatin the recess of the cover, the tray including a plurality of openingsextending through a surface thereof for allowing communication betweenthe active agent and the interior space of the container.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one outwardlyextending protrusion extending at least partially along the length of awall of the base, and the cover includes at least one corresponding wingextending at least partially along the length of a wall of the cover,said wing defining a rib on the cover, said protrusion being configuredto mate with the rib such that the base is in sliding relation with thecover and the cover moves longitudinally relative to the base.
 6. Thecontainer of claim 4, wherein the protrusion has a cross-sectional shapethat is trapezoidal.
 7. The container of claim 4, wherein the protrusionand rib are configured relative to one another such that they do notdetach from one another unless the cover is removed from the base. 8.The container of claim 4, wherein the base, the cover, and the tray aremade of a plastic material, and the active agent is stored in a vesselmade of a plastic material.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein thevessel that houses the active agent is permeable and allows for theviewing of the active agent within the vessel.
 10. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the vessel is made of one of a polypropylene or aTyvek™ material.
 11. A box cover comprising: a housing having at least afirst level and a second level, wherein the first level has a greatercircumference than the second level, wherein the first level isconfigured to mate with an opening of a first size container and thesecond level is configured to mate with an opening of a second sizecontainer that is different from a first size container.
 12. The boxcover of claim 11, wherein the first level includes an inner rim and anouter rim and the second level includes an inner rim and an outer rim,with each respective inner and outer rim being configured to capture acontainer opening there between.
 13. The box cover of claim 11, whereinthe housing is pyramidal in shape.
 14. The box cover of claim 11,further comprising a third level, the third level being configured tomate with a third size container that is different from the first andsecond size containers.
 15. An adjustable size storage containercomprising: a cover member having at least one first rib that extends atleast partially along the length of the cover member; and a base memberhaving at least one second rib that extends at least partially along thelength of the base member, with the first rib being configured to matewith the second rib so that the cover is slidable longitudinally overthe base member along the second rib.
 16. The container of claim 15,wherein the cover member and base member together define a storage areainside the container, with the storage area being adjustable in sizebased upon the relative location of the cover member to the base member.17. The container of claim 15, wherein the second rib is trapezoidal incross-section, and the first rib includes a recess for catching thesecond rib.
 18. The container of claim 15, further comprising a holderassociated with one of the cover member or the base member for receivingan active agent.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein the holder is arecess that is defined on an inner surface of the cover member, saidrecess being configured to hold the active agent and to allowcommunication between the active agent and an interior space of thecontainer.
 20. The container of claim 15, wherein the base and covermembers together define one of a rectangular, a round, or a squarecontainer.
 21. The container of claim 15, wherein the first rib is aprotrusion having a recess defined under the protrusion, and the secondrib is a wing that is configured to mate with the protrusion.
 22. Thecontainer of claim 15, further comprising a series of bumps aligned onone of the cover member rib or the base member rib, and a correspondingseries of dimples positioned on the other of the cover member rib or thebase member rib, wherein the bumps align with the dimples to provide aplurality of positions for positioning the base relative to the cover.